Behind The Scenes: Jillian Michaels’ Cover Shoot

Some cover shoots are tense. Sometimes, you don't know what to expect when meeting a big star. Sometimes they're lovely, but bring a big entourage that makes it feel formal. Our January shoot was the opposite of all that!

Jillian Michaels, originally of Biggest Loser fame and now a major brand in her own right, is part of the SELF family. She rolled in with her manager Giancarlo Cherish, whom we also adore, and her makeup artist, Joanna Schlip, who is hilarious, and not only brought her new product line, but her pet goldfish as well.

Lucy Danziger, our editor in chief and good friend of Jillian’s stopped by and the whole day had a warm and cozy feeling. Jill (that’s what her peeps call her!) looked incredible in everything from the smokin’ hot Herve Leger dress she rocks on the cover to white jeans and bikini ensembles. We all caught up–she talked about her recent life-changing trip to Africa and the safari adventures she had there and remembered something personal about everyone. The shoot was the day before my birthday and she greeted me with a big hug and a “Happy Birthday, mama!”